The tragic death of an eight-year-old has led to major changes at a Teesside council.

A new-look Children's Services Department has been launched by Redcar and Cleveland Council and council chiefs hope the changes will ensure vulnerable youngsters get the best care possible.

The department arises from a merger of the former education department and the former children's social care section of social services.

The changes are taking place in local government across the country following the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie in 2000, which led to a major review and the creation of a new Children's Act.

Victoria, of north London, died after suffering severe abuse by her great aunt and the aunt's boyfriend, despite being known to two police child protection teams, four social services departments, two housing authorities and the NSPCC.

Redcar and Cleveland Council's director of Children's Services, Jenny Lewis, said: "We have the chance to make a real difference by creating new working arrangements, not only within the department, but also with our partner agencies."